Photo & Video Policies

Professional photography and videography is permitted at SXSW events only with press credentials and a camera tag provided by the SXSW Press Department. By accepting press credentials and a camera tag, you agree to the terms detailed in this Photo and Video Policy.

REGISTERED PRESS AND CAMERA TAGS

To obtain camera tags, bring your camera to the Press table in the Registration area of the Austin Convention Center

The camera tag must be affixed to your camera AT ALL TIMES

Under no circumstances are tripods, lights and elaborate set ups permitted in any SXSW venue hallways

Press credentials and photographer/videographer camera tags are issued at the discretion of SXSW and can be revoked at any time if SXSW determines they are misused.

PHOTOGRAPHY

You must have a SXSW camera tag affixed to your camera to take photos at Conference and Festival events.

Additionally, flash photography is only allowed as follows:

SXSW Conference:

During the first five (5) minutes of any session from the front of the room

After five (5) minutes, no flash photography will be allowed and cameras will need to be removed from the front of the room

If you are staying after the first five (5) minutes, you must have a seat in the audience

SXSW Music Festival:

During the first three (3) songs of an artist’s set

After three (3) songs no flash photography is allowed

Specific artists may have different rules regarding shooting showcases

SXSW Film Festival

On a case by case basis, which must be approved by the SXSW Press Department in advance. Otherwise, flash photography is prohibited inside venues.

VIDEOGRAPHY

You must have a SXSW camera tag affixed to your camera to film at Conference and Festival events.

In order to protect SXSW and the rights of artists and speakers, including but not limited to copyrights and rights of publicity, videography for news coverage, reviews and interviews is permitted and restricted as follows:

Permitted Videography:

SXSW Conference:

During first five (5) minutes of any session

Tripod video recording from the back or sides of rooms for first five (5) minutes of any session

No filming or photography may impede the ingress or egress of a room

SXSW Music Festival:

During three (3) songs of any one artist’s set, only with prior approval from SXSW

Upon request by SXSW, it will be your sole responsibility to obtain and supply to SXSW written permission from artist management.

SXSW Film Festival Q&As and Introductions:

Filming from your seat at Film Festival venues is allowed except at the Paramount and Stateside Theatres

RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES:

Your SXSW press credentials and camera tag will NOT allow you to audio or video stream, broadcast or otherwise transmit, retransmit or copy in any form any SXSW artist performance, conference programming, or Film Q&A longer than :45 continuous seconds.To request additional content capture rights, fill out this form.

No board feeds will be allowed during the SXSW Conference, and will not be allowed without prior consent from SXSW during the Music Festival

Video recording of any kind is not allowed at the Paramount or Stateside Theatres without prior approval from the SXSW Film Publicity Department.

For photo policy information for non-media registrants or the general public, please go to our FAQ page. For information about the SXSW trademarks, please visit the SXSW Trademark Guidelines.

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